15 Butterfly Haircut Ideas for Long Hair to Try in 2025

What is the Butterfly Haircut?

I'm Alex Carter, a professional hairstylist with over a decade of experience in the field. I've witnessed numerous hair trends come and go. However, the butterfly haircut has experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2025, captivating those with long hair who seek a voluminous and dynamic style.

The butterfly haircut masterfully combines long layered haircuts with face-framing layers, creating a look that is both elegant and full of movement. This style features shorter layers around the crown and chin, gradually transitioning into longer layers towards the ends, resulting in a feathered, airy appearance reminiscent of butterfly wings. Unlike traditional layered cuts, the butterfly haircut maintains the hair's length while introducing a sense of lightness and bounce.

Its versatility makes it suitable for various hair textures, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. The face-framing layers accentuate facial features, making it a flattering choice for many face shapes. In 2025, the butterfly haircut remains popular, aligning with the year's hair trends that emphasize natural movement and voluminous hairstyles.

Top 15 Butterfly Haircut Variations for Long Hair in 2025

Let's delve into the top 15 layered variations that are making waves this year.

Classic Butterfly Cut

Key Features

• The classic butterfly cut is characterized by traditional layers that create a balanced and timeless style.

• It features shorter layers around the crown, gradually transitioning to longer layers at the ends, adding balanced volume and movement.

• This cut suits various face shapes and hair types, making it a versatile choice for many.

• The style offers a harmonious blend of length and texture, providing a refreshed yet familiar look.

How to Style

• Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair to enhance the natural lift of the layers.

• Use a round brush while blow-drying to create a smooth finish and emphasize the layered structure.

• For added bounce, consider using large Velcro rollers or a curling iron on the ends.

• Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place throughout the day.

Butterfly Cut with Curtain Bangs

Key Features

• This variation incorporates curtain bangs that seamlessly blend with the face-framing layers of the butterfly cut.

• The bangs part in the middle draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones, enhancing facial features.

• It adds a touch of softness and romance to the overall hairstyle, aligning with the 2025 trend of personalized styles.

• Ideal for those seeking a modern twist on the classic butterfly cut.

How to Style

• Blow-dry the curtain bangs using a round brush, directing them away from the face to achieve the signature swoop.

• Use a lightweight styling cream to define the layers and add shine.

• For a more polished look, employ a flat iron to curl the ends of the bangs outward slightly.

• Maintain the style with a flexible-hold hairspray to allow natural movement.

Butterfly Cut with Side-Swept Bangs

Key Features

• This style features side-swept bangs that integrate smoothly with the butterfly cut's layers, offering an asymmetrical style.

• The bangs add a dynamic element, providing a youthful and contemporary appearance.

• It's particularly flattering for those with round or square face shapes, as it elongates the facial structure.

• The combination of layers and side-swept bangs aligns with the dynamic layers trend of 2025.

How to Style

• Apply a smoothing serum to damp hair to reduce frizz and enhance shine.

• Blow-dry the bangs to the desired side using a paddle brush for a sleek finish.

• Use a flat iron to gently curve the ends of the bangs and layers for added movement.

• Set the style with a light mist of hairspray to ensure longevity without stiffness.

Also read: Top 10 Hottest Box Braids Hairstyles for 2025

Butterfly Cut with Baby Bangs

Key Features

• This edgy variation combines the voluminous layers of the butterfly haircut with baby bangs, creating a bold and modern look.

• The short, straight-across baby bangs draw attention to the eyes and forehead, adding a unique flair.

• Ideal for those seeking a bold statement hairstyle that stands out.

• The contrast between the soft layers and sharp bangs offers a dynamic aesthetic.

How to Style

• Apply a lightweight styling cream to damp hair to enhance texture.

• Blow-dry the baby bangs straight using a small round brush for precision.

• Use a flat iron to smooth the bangs and define the layers.

• Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place throughout the day.

Butterfly Haircut for Curly Hair

Key Features

• Tailored for curly textures, this butterfly haircut variation enhances natural curls while reducing bulk.

• The strategic layering adds shape and movement, preventing the hair from appearing too heavy.

• Helps define curls and provide a balanced silhouette.

• Embraces the natural volume of curly hair, aligning with 2025's trend of embracing natural textures.

How to Style

• Apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to damp hair to define curls.

• Use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to gently dry the hair, preserving its curl patterns.

• Gently scrunch the curls to add volume and bounce.

• Finish with a light-hold gel or spray to reduce frizz and maintain the style.

Butterfly Haircut for Thin Hair

Key Features

• Designed to create the illusion of fuller hair, this butterfly haircut variation incorporates lightweight layers.

• The layering technique adds volume and movement, making thin hair appear thicker.

• Face-framing layers enhance facial features and add dimension.

• Aligns with 2025's trend of personalized styles that cater to individual hair types.

How to Style

• Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair to boost body.

• Blow-dry using a round brush, lifting at the roots to add volume.

• Use a curling iron to add soft waves, enhancing the layered effect.

• Finish with a texturizing spray to maintain fullness throughout the day.

Also read: Top Trending Quick Weave Hairstyles for a Fresh Look

Butterfly Haircut with Long Layers

Key Features

• This variation maintains the hair's length while incorporating extended layers for movement.

• The flowing style adds dimension without sacrificing length, making it ideal for those who want subtle changes.

• The layers create a soft, cascading effect that enhances the hair's natural flow.

• Perfect for individuals seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look in 2025.

How to Style

• Apply a smoothing serum to damp hair to reduce frizz.

• Blow-dry using a paddle brush to achieve a sleek finish.

• Use a large-barrel curling iron to add gentle waves to the ends.

• Finish with a shine-enhancing spray to highlight the layers.

Butterfly Haircut with Short Layers

Key Features

• This variation introduces short layers throughout the hair, enhancing texture and providing a volume boost.

• The shorter layers create a textured look, adding movement and dynamism to the hairstyle.

• Ideal for those seeking a more playful and lively appearance without sacrificing length.

• The style aligns with 2025's trend of embracing layered, voluminous hairstyles.

How to Style

• Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair to amplify the natural lift of the short layers.

• Blow-dry using a round brush, focusing on lifting at the roots to maximize volume.

• Use a texturizing spray to define the layers and add a tousled finish.

• Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place throughout the day.

Butterfly Haircut with Face-Framing Highlights

Key Features

• This style incorporates face-framing highlights that accentuate the layered variations of the butterfly cut.

• The highlights add dimension and depth, enhancing the overall appearance of the hairstyle.

• Strategically placed color accents draw attention to facial features, complementing the personalized styles trend of 2025.

• Suitable for various hair textures and lengths, this style offers a versatile and modern look.

How to Style

• Apply a color-protecting serum to damp hair to maintain the vibrancy of the highlights.

• Blow-dry using a round brush to smooth the hair and emphasize the face-framing layers.

• Use a flat iron to slightly curl the highlighted sections away from the face for added definition.

• Finish with a shine-enhancing spray to highlight the color accents.

Also read: 15 Best Sew-In Hairstyles for 2025, Timeless & Trendy

Butterfly Haircut with Balayage

Key Features

• Combining the butterfly haircut with balayage coloring creates a seamless blend of tones, adding depth and richness to the hairstyle.

• The seamless color transition enhances the layered structure, providing a natural and sun-kissed appearance.

• This combination aligns with 2025's trend of embracing natural-looking, multidimensional hair colors.

• Suitable for various hair types, this option offers a low-maintenance yet stylish look.

How to Style

• Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to preserve the balayage color.

• Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair to maintain moisture and shine.

• Blow-dry using a diffuser to enhance natural waves and highlight the color variations.

• Finish with a light-hold hairspray to set the style without weighing it down.

Butterfly Haircut with Ombre

Key Features

• This variation pairs the butterfly haircut with ombre coloring, creating a gradient color effect that adds visual interest.

• The gradual transition from darker roots to lighter ends complements the layered structure, providing a stylish contrast.

• The combination offers a bold and modern look, aligning with 2025's trend of expressive hair colors.

• Ideal for those seeking a statement hairstyle that remains elegant and wearable.

How to Style

• Use color-safe hair products to maintain the vibrancy of the ombre effect.

• Apply a heat protectant before styling to prevent color fading.

• Blow-dry using a round brush to smooth the hair and accentuate the color transition.

• Finish with a glossing serum to enhance shine and highlight the gradient effect.

Butterfly Haircut with Straight Hair

Key Features

• The butterfly haircut introduces smooth layers to straight hair, adding much-needed movement and dimension.

• Shorter layers around the crown create a volume boost, preventing the hair from appearing flat.

• This style offers a polished appearance, aligning with 2025's trend of sleek and structured hairstyles.

• Ideal for individuals seeking to add texture without compromising the hair's natural straightness.

How to Style

• Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots to enhance lift.

• Blow-dry using a round brush, directing the hair away from the face to accentuate the layers.

• Use a flat iron to smooth the ends, ensuring a sleek finish.

• Finish with a shine-enhancing serum to highlight the sleek style.

Also read: 20 Stylish & Trendy French Braid Hairstyles

Butterfly Haircut with Wavy Hair

Key Features

• This variation enhances natural waves, introducing textured layers that add depth and movement.

• The layers reduce bulk, allowing the waves to form more naturally and effortlessly.

• Offers an effortless style, perfect for those embracing their hair's natural texture in 2025.

• The style aligns with the trend of low-maintenance, naturally styled haircuts.

How to Style

• Apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair to define the waves.

• Gently scrunch the hair to encourage wave formation.

• Allow the hair to air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting.

• Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the effortless style throughout the day.

Butterfly Haircut with Thick Hair

Key Features

• Designed to manage thick hair, this butterfly haircut incorporates layers that reduce bulk and add shape.

• The layering technique provides a balanced look, preventing the hair from appearing too heavy.

• Enhances movement and allows for easier styling, aligning with 2025's trend of manageable, voluminous hairstyles.

• Ideal for individuals seeking to control volume while maintaining length.

How to Style

• Apply a smoothing serum to damp hair to reduce frizz and add shine.

• Blow-dry using a paddle brush to smooth the hair and accentuate the layers.

• Use a flat iron to further define the layers, if desired.

• Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the balanced look throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the butterfly haircut good for long hair?

Absolutely. The butterfly haircut is particularly well-suited for long hair. It introduces face-framing layers and voluminous styling without compromising length. This style adds movement and texture, making it ideal for those seeking a fresh look while retaining their long locks.

What face shape is best for a butterfly haircut?

The butterfly haircut is versatile and can complement a wide range of face shapes. However, it is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the layers accentuate cheekbones and soften facial angles. With proper customization, it can also suit round and square faces.

Which is better, a butterfly cut or a layer cut?

Both cuts have their merits. The butterfly cut features shorter layers around the crown and longer layers beneath, creating a voluminous hairstyle with a dynamic silhouette. In contrast, a traditional layered haircut offers a more uniform layering throughout. Your choice depends on your desired look and maintenance preferences.

What are the disadvantages of a butterfly cut?

While the butterfly haircut offers a stylish and voluminous look, it does come with some considerations:

• Maintenance: Requires regular styling to maintain its shape and volume.

• Styling Time: May demand more time for daily styling compared to simpler cuts.

• Not Ideal for Thin Hair: May not provide the desired volume for very fine hair types.

• Layer Management: Shorter layers may not stay in place when tying the hair up.